Mardi Gras in New Orleans hits you like a tidal wave of vibrant chaos. The air crackles with energy, Bourbon Street pulses with a frenetic beat, and beads fly like colorful projectiles from wrought-iron balconies. It’s an intoxicating spectacle, a sensory overload that’s undeniably part of the New Orleans experience. But for those seeking to delve deeper, to uncover the city’s true soul beyond the revelry, a journey beyond Bourbon Street is essential. And that journey should absolutely include a taste of Magazine Street, and the iconic Slim Goodies Diner.
My own Mardi Gras adventure began, as many do, in the heart of the French Quarter. The memory is a blur of sequined masks and potent Hurricanes. In fact, one particularly enthusiastic day, my festive mask became less accessory and more… weapon. Let’s just say a $6 mask from Jazz Funeral left a more permanent impression than intended. Celebrating my brother Austin’s birthday amidst the Mardi Gras frenzy, we plunged headfirst into the Bourbon Street maelstrom. Sixty-four ounce Hurricane fishbowls on lanyards? Absolutely. Discounted refills and bars with names like “Huge Ass Beers”? Par for the course.
Navigating the crowds on Bourbon Street was an art form in itself – a constant shimmy and dodge through a sea of revelers. Beads rained down, Jell-O shots beckoned from every corner, and the infectious energy was inescapable. Even the jazz bars, like Maison Bourbon, kept the drinks flowing as steadily as the music.
But amidst the delightful delirium of Mardi Gras, a craving for something more authentic began to bubble up. New Orleans is, after all, a city of layers, a place where history whispers from every corner and culinary traditions run deep. While the Bourbon Street buzz is undeniable, it’s just one facet of this multifaceted gem.
Fortunately, New Orleans is a city that feeds the soul as much as it entertains it. Beyond the beads and booze, a culinary adventure awaited. We dove into steaming bowls of gumbo at the Gumbo Shop, savored the unique flavors of roasted sweet potato po’ boys at Killer PoBoys, and indulged in sweet etouffee crepes from the French Market stalls. And then, there were the beignets. Forget the tourist lines at Café Du Monde; the pillowy, sugar-dusted perfection at Café Beignet offered a taste of true New Orleans bliss without the sanity-testing queues.
A vibrant street scene in New Orleans' French Quarter during Mardi Gras, showcasing colorful buildings and lively crowds.
After days immersed in the French Quarter’s vibrant chaos, the desire to explore beyond the well-trodden tourist path grew stronger. That’s when Magazine Street entered the picture. A world away from the Bourbon Street frenzy, Magazine Street offers a different kind of New Orleans experience – a taste of local life, a haven of boutiques, antique shops, and, crucially, incredible eateries.
And at the heart of Magazine Street’s culinary charm lies Slim Goodies Diner. This local favorite, a true New Orleans institution, is the perfect antidote to a night of Hurricanes and revelry. Stepping into Slim Goodies is like stepping into a warm embrace. The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, the backyard patio a tranquil escape, and the menu… oh, the menu.
For a true taste of Slim Goodies, and the ultimate hangover cure, you must try a “slammer.” These legendary creations are a glorious pile-up of hash browns, your choice of protein, and pretty much anything else you could possibly crave to soak up the remnants of the previous night’s festivities. It’s comfort food elevated, New Orleans style. Exploring Magazine Street and discovering Slim Goodies Diner was a revelation, offering a glimpse into the authentic heart of New Orleans beyond the Mardi Gras spectacle. It’s a reminder that while the party is certainly a draw, the city’s true magic lies in its diverse neighborhoods and local treasures.
Of course, New Orleans offers more than just food and drink, even beyond Magazine Street. City Park, with its sprawling 1,300 acres, provides a green oasis for when you need a break from the city bustle. Bike paths, sculpture gardens, paddle boats, and botanical gardens offer a different kind of New Orleans experience, a chance to breathe and recharge before diving back into the city’s vibrant energy.
But for me, the true essence of New Orleans lies in that perfect blend of celebratory spirit and authentic local flavor. It’s the thrill of Mardi Gras juxtaposed with the comforting taste of a slammer at Slim Goodies on Magazine Street. It’s about experiencing the iconic and discovering the hidden gems. So, next time you find yourself in the Big Easy, by all means, embrace the Bourbon Street madness. But then, venture beyond. Explore Magazine Street. Discover Slim Goodies. And you’ll find a deeper, richer, and even more delicious New Orleans waiting to be savored.
Stay
Hotel Monteleone 214 Royal St., 504-523-3341 A historic hotel with a famous rotating carousel bar, a block from Bourbon Street.
Eat
Gumbo Shop 630 St. Peter St., 504-525-1486 A French Quarter institution for classic New Orleans gumbo.
Slim Goodies Diner 3322 Magazine St., 504-891-3447 A local favorite on Magazine Street, known for its “slammers” and charming patio.
Do
City Park 1 Palm Drive, 504-482-4888 A vast urban park offering a variety of activities and attractions.
This article is inspired by the August 2018 issue of Charlotte magazine.
